Kenya’s population, estimated at over 55 million, is constantly growing and many expectations abound on what the government can do to make our lives not only better but progressive.
To start with, ever wondered how schools, hospitals, and roads get funded? Or how the streetlights stay on and security forces operate? The answer is simple—taxes! Whether in Kenya or anywhere else in the world, governments rely on tax revenue to keep the country running.
So, what exactly is tax compliance? It simply means playing your part—registering with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), filing your tax returns on time, and paying your fair share of taxes. Think of it as a commitment to ensuring that everyone chips in to ensure we all enjoy quality public services.
The taxes we pay don’t just disappear into thin air—they fund things we all use every day.
From education and healthcare to infrastructure and security, tax revenue is the backbone of our country’s development.
For instance, taxes help keep our education system running by building educational infrastructure, paying teachers, and providing learning materials for students. Taxes also fund the establishment of hospitals, payment of public healthcare workers, and ensure essential medicine is available, keeping Kenyans healthy. Beyond that, taxes finance the
construction of roads, maintain reliable electricity, and provide clean water, all of which make
daily life smoother and more efficient. Our security forces rely on tax revenue to keep our nation and communities safe. Simply put, when we all pay our taxes, we all benefit!
Besides supporting national development, staying tax-compliant has direct perks. For individuals and businesses alike, it offers peace of mind—no stress about penalties or fines.
It also opens up opportunities, such as qualifying for government tenders or licenses, and builds trust with banks and investors, thus helping businesses grow.
The good news is that KRA is making it easier than ever to stay compliant. Gone are the days of long queues and complicated paperwork. Today, the iTax platform allows you to register, file, and pay taxes online with ease. The KRA M-Service App brings tax services right to your phone, and regular taxpayer education programs help you understand your obligations better.
Being tax-compliant isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to a better Kenya.
Every coin you contribute helps build the future we all want to see. So, let’s embrace tax
compliance not as a burden but as an investment in our country’s growth. After all, a thriving Kenya benefits us all!
The writer is a communications consultant with Apex Porter Novelli.
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